Kia's tweaked Picanto goes testing

Kia's bid for European domination shows no sign of abating - we've been wowed by the new C'eed and here's the successor to the highly-rated Picanto getting ready for a 2007 launch.The new model is designed as a facelift instead of an overhaul. It certainly appears to be building on the cute styling of its predecessor - a car that Kia targeted directly at the female buyer in a clever advertising campaign. Sources suggest that the next Picanto will get reworked versions of the current 1.0- and 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol engines, producing 61bhp and 65bhp respectively. But there are also rumours of a 97bhp mini-GTI version, too.

No word yet on when the new car will hit showrooms, but late 2007 seems likely - we expect the car to break cover officially next summer, with a 'hands-on' launch at next September's Frankfurt motor show.